Usage of real-time ultraviolet radiation data to modify the daily erythemal exposure of primary schoolchildren

Background/Aims: 

Primary schoolchildren in their everyday school life are exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation. This may be through time spent outdoors whilst having meal breaks, physical education classes and other class orientated outdoor activities. 

Methods: 

This research investigates the UV exposure of primary schoolchildren and the effect real-time UV irradiances data and an associated software package, UVGUIDE, have on UV exposure. This software utilises scientifically collected data, such as facial distribution of UV, as well as accessing real-time on-line UV irradiances data to estimate the UV distribution to the head region. The students can also enter other parameters such as hat usage and hat type to show the effect of using such a UV protective device on their facial UV distribution. 

Conclusions:

The results from this study found that the average 3-day erythemal UV exposure in late summer and early autumn to the left shoulder was 33% higher for the students not having access to the on-line UV data and software package.